Content is the lifeblood of your website. It can be in the form of written text, images or videos. Without content, your website is an empty canvas. Equally, without quality content, your website is a collection of useless information. It stands to reason then, that content can make or break your affiliate marketing strategy. Here are some ways that content marketing can supercharge your success as an affiliate:

Content Guides the Visitor to Action

It’s important to tell visitors exactly what to do when they arrive on your website. This can be done subtly in the form of layout and structure or more obviously with the use of a ‘call-to-action’. Guiding the visitor is crucial to converting that person into a lead for the desired affiliate programme. Don’t simply expect visitors to make the journey without a helping hand.

It Supports Social Media

Interesting articles and other pieces of information found on your website are ideal for sharing on social media. Social media helps distribute great content better than many other methods, bringing more new visitors to your website. If you’re struggling to think of things to share on Facebook and Twitter, articles are perfect. Provided they have a gripping title and are well written, they could be re-shared again and again. Evergreen content (the type that remains relevant regardless of time) is best for this.

Content is Crucial for SEO

Talking of evergreen content, you might have heard by now just how crucial it is for SEO. A well-written article that doesn’t become dated could gain a good position in the search results over time. Content also keeps visitors on your website for longer, reducing the bounce rate and pleasing Google even further.

There’s no doubt you’ve heard of ‘keywords’ by now, especially in relation to SEO. Keywords used throughout the copy on a website were once a huge ranking factor. It’s 2016 now and although keywords are still important and you certainly want to be including them within your articles and copy, it’s not the same as it was before. You should always aim to write for the reader first and focus on value and quality.

Make content a priority, keep it fresh and varied throughout the year for the best results. If you’re still not sure about the value your website is offering, try to look at it from the user’s point of view. Think of three questions a new visitor might have and check to see if the content answers these questions in an educational or entertaining way.